That was gorgeous. It actually has me sniffing (well, you know - my mood and all...).

The harsh life and the loneliness and the fact that Nikolai is searching out these delicate things - the book, the music, even though it must all be so foreign to him, knowing where he came from. And the dream... the idea that he's seeing himself as being alone even when he has the freedom to dream he isn't, really struck a chord. I'm so glad he took the chance and went for that comfort that was there, just under the surface.

Beautiful *hugs*